Category Archives: Recipes

Where Do Cocktails Get Their Names?

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You may know what’s in them; but do you know where they got their name from? Popular staples in the bar industry like Bloody Mary’s, Manhattans, Screwdrivers, and Old Fashioned drinks have names that make you question their origins.

Below you can read through a list of popular cocktails just like these to learn a brief description of how they got their names. Then you can share this thought-provoking information with your peers the next time you gather together for a round or two!

Cocktail Specials Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070
Cocktail Specials Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070

Famous Cocktails and Their Moniker Origins

Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary’s are tangy, spicy cocktails made from a tomato juice and vodka base and mixed with a variation of spices and ingredients like salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, celery, Worcestershire, and more. Although the origin of the name has many stories and remains quite ambiguous, most agree that it is named after Queen Mary I of England, who was dubbed “Bloody Mary” for attempting to re-establish the Catholic Church.

Cosmopolitan

Also known as a “Cosmo” for short, the Cosmopolitan was made famous in the television series, “Sex in the City.” However, the Cosmopolitan was influencing the bar industry long before its red carpet debut. Primarily constructed with vodka, triple sec, and cranberry juice, this popular martini-style drink’s name is said to have come from Neal Murray of the Cork & Cleaver steak house in Minneapolis in 1975. Supposedly, he added a splash of cranberry juice to a Kamikaze and said, “How Cosmopolitan.”

Dirty Martini

The Dirty Martini is a simple and sophisticated cocktail for vodka and gin drinkers. Primarily made with vodka or gin, vermouth, olive brine or juice, and garnished with green bar olives, this cocktail has a name that suggests something “unclean” or perhaps even “unscrupulous.” But the real origin of its name actually unknown. It is suggested that it describes the muddied, clouded appearance the olive brine gives the liquor.

Long Island Iced Tea

A Long Island Iced Tea traditionally contains vodka, tequila, light rum, triple sec, gin, and a splash of cola. It makes sense that this all-inclusive cocktail began in Long Island, New York; right? Well, this is actually true. A man by the name Robert “Rosebud” Butt claims he invented the drink in 1972 after entering a contest while working at the Oak Beach Inn in Long Island, New York.

Mai Tai

Mai Tai drinks are commonly made with white and dark rum, orange curacao, fresh lime juice, and almond flavoring syrup. These Polynesian-style ingredients may be what inspired the name. A man named Victor J. Bergeron claimed to invent the drink in 1944 when he made it for his friends who were visiting from Tahiti. In Tahitian language, “Maita’i” means “good.”

Manhattan

Universally made with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, the Manhattan is a classic bar drink. Although the origin is unclear, it is said that the drink was created at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870’s for a banquet in honor of presidential candidate, Samuel J. Tilden. People began calling this drink the “Manhattan cocktail” after the club. Pair it with a Beef Manhattan for a real treat!

Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned is not exactly what the name implies. It is made by muddling sugar with bitters, then adding whiskey or brandy, and finished with a twist of citrus rind. But the ingredients are not where the name comes from. Traditionally, the Old Fashion is served in a short, round, tumbler-like glass called an “Old Fashion glass.” This is where the name likely comes from.

Screwdriver

There are several stories about this popular breakfast-style cocktail and its origins. The most supported story regarding its name suggests that it began with American oil workers working in the Persian Gulf during the 1920’s. They didn’t have a regular steel spoon to stir their drink, so they used whatever they had on hand that worked; and a screwdriver was always the most reliable tool nearby.

Are you craving one of these frosty, classic cocktails now? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks all weekend long. Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

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Suggested Health Benefits of Vodka

Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Try This French-Inspired Lager Cocktail!

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Known as a French Monaco, you don’t have to be from France to enjoy this delicious and refreshing lager cocktail. This uniquely delicious recipe is a treat for anyone who loves a good lager and a little sweetness. Best of all, the combination of flavors makes it a perfect complement to any meal, any time of the year. So, if you have plans in Indianapolis this weekend, ask your bartender to make you a French Monaco, or simply make one yourself at home!

Continue reading to learn what’s in this tasty beer cocktail and the best place to get it in Downtown Indianapolis!

Beer Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Beer Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

How to Make a French Monaco Beer Cocktail

There are 3 primary ingredients that make a proper French Monaco. These can be altered and adjusted to taste or depending on what you have on hand; however, if you have a chance to make a batch from scratch, it is best prepared with the traditional ingredients. These include lemonade, lager, and grenadine.

Select Any Lager You Like

Although you can use any style lager and the common red syrup you used to put in your Shirley Temples, it is meant to be constructed with a top-shelf lager and a premium grenadine made from real pomegranates. The French prefer Stella Artois, which is also the recommended lager to use for this recipe.

Use a True Grenadine

As for the grenadine, it is recommended to use a real pomegranate syrup, such as the one made by Liber & Co. You may also use a different version of pomegranate syrup, but the authentic version is made with real grenadine.

Lemonade Quality is Key

We’ve all had lemonade that was too tart to tolerate, and we’ve all had lemonade that was too sweet to enjoy. When choosing a lemonade for a French Monaco, or any cocktail for that matter, quality is key. Aim for a fresh-squeezed version. You can also choose a light lemonade drink if you want to cut back on sugar and calories!

What You Will Need:

▷ 2 Ounces of Lemonade (preferably made from scratch)
▷ 6 Ounces of Lager
▷ 1 Ounce of Real Grenadine
▷ Long Bar Spoon

➀ Start with a tall glass, such as a highball glass or a 16 oz. beer mug.
➁ Add 1 oz. of real grenadine to the glass.
➂ Add 2 oz. of lemonade.
➃ Top the glass with your lager.
➄ Gently stir your concoction one or two times.
➅ Garnish with a lemon wheel if you have one!

Ready to order your French Monaco or preferred beer cocktail this weekend? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and order from our full bar and cocktail menu! We offer beer, wine, and liquor drink specials in Downtown Indianapolis every day of the week!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Top Recommended Cheeses For a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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No matter how old you get, you never outgrow a classic grilled cheese sandwich. With so many cheese options and topping combinations, grilled cheese sandwiches never get old, nor do they ever get boring. But when it comes to enjoying the best grilled cheese sandwich possible, you must select the right cheese or cheese pairings. After all, the cheese is the star of the show here.

So, the next time you are craving a grilled cheese sandwich, consider using these top recommended cheeses!

Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Indianapolis 317-822-5070

How to Select the Right Cheese for Your Grilled Cheese Sandwich

When it comes to selecting the right cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich, you want to strive for a good balance between melting points and flavor. This means sticking with soft and moist cheeses and avoiding hard or crumbly ones.

The cheese should melt well while also delivering optimal flavor. Although American cheese is the classic option for a grilled cheese sandwich, there are many other choices that can bring your grilled cheese sandwich to a new level of delicious.

Get Creative But Stick to What You Like

Really, you can use any cheese you like to create a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s all about personal preference. From a chewy cheddar and stringy mozzarella to a stinky taleggio and beyond, the options are really endless. But if you’re looking for culinary innovations, these are suggested to be the best cheeses to use when curating your ultimate grilled cheese sandwich:

🧀 American – American cheese is a classic option for grilled cheese sandwiches because it is a little salty and a little sweet, plus it melts exceptionally well. This is going to render a creamier finish to your sandwich.

🧀 Cheddar – As mentioned, cheddar cheese of any medium to sharp variety will deliver a chewy but melty consistency, leaving you satisfied after every bite. Consider jalapeno cheddar or garden vegetable cheddar cheeses for a heightened flavor profile.

🧀 Gruyère – Gruyère may seem like an off-the-wall choice for grilled cheese sandwich, but your taste buds will be pleasantly surprised and asking for more. Gruyère delivers a unique grilled cheese experience with nutty and slightly stinky flavors, and a chewy but creamy consistency. There is good reason why the French use this cheese in their famous croque monsieur!

🧀 Fontina – A popular Italian cheese, fontina delivers a great meltiness-to-flavor ratio. There are many varieties of fontina to choose from at your local deli or grocery store cheese counter, ranging in flavor from mild to a bit stinky.

🧀 Gouda – Gouda is a great option for grilled cheese sandwich if you are in the mood for a softer flavor profile. This Dutch cheese delivers a delightfully nutty and slightly sweet flavor that melts beyond perfection.

🧀 Muenster – Very similar to American cheese, muenster is mild and melts just as well as cheddar and Gouda. This is a great option for kids or for pairing other cheeses in your sandwich.

Grilled Cheese Add-On Options

Once you have your cheeses selected, consider adding some more proteins, vegetables, fruits, and condiments to really take your sandwich to the next level! Popular add-ons include bacon, ham, shredded pork, pepperoni, sliced apples, spinach, caramelized onions, peppers, jam, honey, and herbs like chives or green onion.

Are you craving a delicious and creamy grilled cheese sandwich now, but your kitchen is lacking the proper ingredients? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and order our famous grilled cheese sandwich that you customize by selecting your own cheese and bread options! Don’t forget to ask us about our daily menu specials too!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

2 New Takes on the Traditional Old Fashioned

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The Old Fashioned is one of the most respected and honored cocktails that has maintained popularity for hundreds of years. Classically made with bourbon, bitters, and sugar, the Old Fashioned is admired for its depth, richness, and history. It is rumored that the drink was created at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870’s for a banquet in honor of presidential candidate, Samuel J. Tilden. So, people began calling this drink the “Manhattan cocktail” after the club.

Although the name implies that innovation is not something of interest, with such an easy foundation of ingredients it’s hard to resist the temptation to innovate and tweak the recipe just a little. You see, bourbon and sugar might be customary for making a classic Old Fashioned, but many are pleasantly discovering that you can use any base liquor and ingredients you would like, including sweet vermouth, tequila, and more!

If you are a fan of the Old Fashioned, but would like a fresh take on it, continue reading for two inventive recipes that may turn into your new go-to after-work or weekend drink!

Bar Near Me Indianapolis IN 317-822-5070
Bar Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

It is Time to Change the Way You Think About an Old Fashioned

The classic recipe for an Old Fashioned is 2 ounces bourbon, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes of angostura bitters, and 1 dash of water, then garnished with a cherry on a toothpick. However, as classic as this cocktail might be, it too has been altered overtime.

Many people substitute bourbon for other types of liquor, such as whiskey or scotch. Many have also substituted sugar cubes for sweet vermouth or even a teaspoon of maple syrup. Others eliminate the dash of water altogether. Some even swap the cherry for dried fruit, orange slices, olives, and rosemary sprigs.

For most, developing a personalized recipe for an Old Fashioned take some time and some adjusting. But as mentioned, if you are tired of the same old town bourbon cocktail you been drinking for years, try out these two recipes that may change the way you think about Old Fashioned cocktails forever!

Traditional Version of an Old Fashioned

Just as a reminder for comparison purposes, to make a traditional Old Fashioned cocktail, drop a sugar cube inside a rocks glass and saturate it with 2 dashes of bitters. Then add a dash of water. Muddle the sugar cube until it is fully dissolved. Now fill the glass with ice and add 2 ounces of bourbon. Finish by garnishing it with an orange slice and a cocktail cherry on a toothpick.

🥃 The Improved Whiskey Cocktail 🥃

This recipe is not a new one. It is actually a classic cocktail that was even mentioned in “The Bar-Tender’s Guide” of 1887. Try this improved whiskey cocktail the next time you visit your favorite Downtown Indianapolis bar restaurant!

▻ 1.5 OUNCES HIGH RYE BOURBON
▻ 1 SUGAR CUBE (substitute 1 tsp. maple syrup or 1 bar spoon of granulated sugar)
▻ 1 BAR SPOON MARASCHINO LIQUEUR
▻ 1 DASH ABSINTHE
▻ 1 DASH CHERRY OR LICORICE BITTERS
▻ 1 DASH AROMATIC BITTERS
▻ GARNISH WITH CITRUS PEEL

To make this cocktail, follow the same instructions you would for a classic Old Fashioned. In your rocks glass, muddle your sugar cube or sugar option with your bitters, absinthe, and Maraschino liqueur. Next, pour in your bourbon and ice, then stir. It is recommended to use a single large block of ice for this cocktail.

🥃 The Reposado Old Fashioned 🥃

If you are a fan of tequila, then this is the new take on a classic Old Fashioned you’ve been looking for. With a different selection of bitters, a bit of agave, and a different base liquor, this rendition of an Old Fashioned will have you feeling like you’ve gone south of the border.

▻ 1.5 OUNCES AGED TEQUILA
▻ 1 BAR SPOON SIMPLE SYRUP
▻ 2 DASHES AROMATIC BITTERS
▻ GARNISH WITH AND ORANGE PEEL

To make this new version, you will start off a bit differently than a traditional Old Fashioned. Begin by using a wide vegetable peeler to peel your orange. Use the orange peel to express all of the essential oils within inside the rocks glass. Add all of your ingredients into a glass including a single block of ice, and then stir. Garnish with a new orange peel.

Are you excited for these new versions of your favorite Old Fashioned? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and place your order with the bar today! You can enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks! Be sure to check out our daily specials, too!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Does a Margarita Taste Better With Silver or Gold Tequila?

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One of the most popular classic cocktails among leisure-lovers all across the Americas is the margarita, as they deliver a perfect marriage of sweet, sour, and salty. Traditionally made with fresh lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur, margaritas are served blended with ice or unblended and poured over ice (also known as “on the rocks”). They can be perfectly customized down to every last detail using a wide range of fruits, flavors, different quality liquors, liqueurs, and garnishes.  

However, there is age-old, ongoing dispute over which type of tequila makes a better margarita; light or dark? Some will say that a true margarita is made with aged gold tequila, while many others will argue that Blanco tequila is the best.

If you love margaritas but have never understood which kind of tequila to order them with, you are not alone. Continue reading to learn the difference between silver and gold tequila, and some tips on using them to make margaritas.

Downtown Indianapolis Margarita Specials
Downtown Indianapolis Margarita Specials 317-822-5070

Gold Tequila is Aged Tequila

Gold tequila is colloquially referred to as dark tequila, or aged tequila. This version is made by distilling the juice from a blue agave plant and turning it into a liquor. Most dark tequila brands that are not aged are not 100% pure agave. They are usually mixes that only contain around 51% agave tequila.

Dark tequila can get its color from two different places: wood barrels or caramel additives. For instance, Reposado (rested) in 200-liter white oak barrels for at least 2 months, while Añejo (aged) tequila is aged for 12 months. Reposado and Añejo are the only tequilas that have to be aged according to regulations.

Aside from wood barrels, the dark color can also come from caramel coloring and sugar that is added to the batch before fermentation. Most of the time, these additives are for the purpose of mimicking the gold hue of high quality aged tequilas. However, they are also attributed to giving the tequila a smoother taste, which is why they are the preferred choice for taking shots.

Silver Tequila is Agave Tequila

Silver tequila is also known as light, white, or Blanco tequila since it has a clear, transparent color similar to vodka or gin. It is distilled in stainless steel containers and can be either 100% pure agave or a mix. Similar to dark tequila, it is derived from the blue agave plant and distilled into a liquor, but the rather than aging, it is usually bottled right after distillation. In fact, it is rarely ever aged, and if so, only for a very short amount of time. This makes many tequila drinkers believe that it has a harsher taste, given that it is not aged like higher quality tequilas.

Choosing a Tequila for Your Margarita

When it comes to making a great, classic margarita, the truth is that both light and dark tequilas are well-suited for the job; it really comes down to personal preference. But if you were to ask the professionals, they will likely tell you to go for the Gold. Gold tequila tends to have sweeter notes and a smoother finish, making them especially perfect for frozen margaritas.

Ready for a frosty, frothy margarita customized to your liking? Visit English Ivy’s in Downtown Indianapolis for daily food and drink specials and more! Join us every Wednesday for $4 margaritas, $7 Patrons, and $3 Coronas! We also accept takeout and call ahead orders!

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317-822-5070

The 4 Ingredients All Beers Have in Common

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At its simplest, beer is a fermented beverage made with a cereal grain. As one of the oldest and most common alcoholic beverages in the world, the styles and qualities of beer have evolved greatly throughout the years. Today, you can find countless varieties of beer, including ales, lagers, stouts, pilsners, porters, and more. Regardless of your favorite style or brand, all batches of beer are brewed using 4 essential ingredients.

Do you want to know what all beers have in common? Continue reading to find out!

Beer Specials Downtown Indianapolis
Beer Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Fundamental Ingredients of Beer

There are thousands of ingredients used to create beer recipes. Infinite combinations are possible, giving the brewer the capacity to make batches unique and distinctive. But within the mix of infinite recipe possibilities, virtually all batches of beer contain 4 primary ingredients. These 4 ingredients include starch, hops, yeast, and water.

Starch

A starch source is a main ingredient in beer. The most common starch source used to brew beer is malted grain. Grains include barley, wheat, rye, and rice, but barley is used the most. The starch source provides the fermentable material to brew beer, and largely influences its flavor and strength.  In fact, malted grains provide color, flavor, maltose, dextrin’s, and proteins. Maltose is the fermentable sugars that are converted by yeast into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Dextrin’s are grain components that give beer its mouthfeel and viscosity. And the proteins help form and maintain beer foam.

Hops

Scientifically referred to as Humulus Lupulus, hops give beer flavor, aroma, bitterness, and stability. Hops are a flowering plant vine that grows worldwide, but as for beer brewed in the United States, most hops come from Yakima Valley, Washington. Mostly, hops are added to balance out the sweetness that comes from the malt.  When hops are added early in the brewing process, the batch will be bitterer; and if hops are added later in the brewing process, the beer will be less bitter and have more flavor and fragrance.

Yeast

Yeast is a prime ingredient because it is the microorganism that ferments beer into an alcoholic beverage. Fundamentally, it converts the sugar, or maltose, into carbon dioxide and alcohol. There are two main categories of beer yeast: 1) Ale yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and 2) Lager yeast (Saccharomyces uvarum). Ale yeast is top-fermenting, while lager yeast is bottom-fermenting.

Water

Water is the main ingredient in all beer and is the basis to which all other ingredients are added. In fact, 95 percent of beer is water. Since water quality varies among regions, certain regions are better suited for brewing certain styles of beer. Many beer brands have this regional character, such as Guinness stout made from the hard waters of Dublin, or a pilsner made from the soft waters of Pilsen, Bohemia. It is not uncommon for brewers to provide additional filtration for their water supplies to ensure great-tasting batches.

Are you craving some ice cold beer at a great, neighborhood price? Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious beer specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! Visit us Tuesdays for $2 Domestics, Wednesdays for $3 Corona Bottles, and Thursdays for $5.35 Pitchers and $10 Beer Buckets!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Get Your Fourth of July Cookout Lit With These Big Batch Cocktails

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Summer is officially happening here in Indiana, and this weekend, us Hoosiers are all looking forward to celebrating Independence Day! Whether your plans have you hanging poolside, dockside, in the backyard, or next to the grill, there is no better way to ensure your Fourth of July gets started on the right track than with the perfect cocktails! Expecting a lot of people? Opt for big batch cocktail mixes so that you can enjoy the holiday and avoid being stuck bartending for everyone else!

Continue below for some top-recommended big batch cocktails that are guaranteed to have your Fourth of July cookout LIT!

Downtown Indianapolis Drink Specials 317-822-5070
Downtown Indianapolis Drink Specials 317-822-5070

The Benefits of Big Batches

Not only do big batch cocktails ensure that all guests stay quenched and energized so that you can actually enjoy your own party, but they also save you a lot of time and money. With a big batch cocktail scheme, you do not have to appoint, nor pay for, a bartender, as everyone can simply pour themselves a freshie from the available jugs on the bar cart or table!

Also, big batch cocktails allow you to optimize your alcohol purchases. Instead of buying a hundred different ingredients to accommodate a long list of traditional and modernly trendy drinks, you can simply prearrange your recipes and buy exactly what you need without wasting a thing.

One of the best parts about big batch cocktail options is they avoid a big mess. When you display a large liquor and drink station, there are bound to be spills, sticky messes, broken bottles, and maybe even some over-pouring. With a big batch option, you simply need the batch, a cup, and perhaps a garnish.

Some Great Big Batch Recipes to Try This 4th of July

To make your big batch cocktails, grab a pitcher and dump everything inside. Allow them to rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours to get really cold, then just pour over ice for a simple but delicious drink!

🎆 Pineapple Rosé Sangria:

1 Bottle Rosé (750ml)
2 Cups 100% Pineapple Juice
1 Cup Chopped Pineapple
1 Pint Blackberries
1 Pint Raspberries
*To give it some fizz, try it with sparkling rosé or champagne!

🗽 Summertime Lime Rita:

1 Can Frozen Limeade Concentrate (Thawed)
12 Ounces Tequila
12 Ounces Light Beer
12 Ounces Water
*Garnish With a Lime Wedge

🎆 Big Batch Bloody Marys:

6 Cups Vodka
9 Cups Tomato Juice
1/4 Cup Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Tbs Hot Sauce
1 Tbs Horseradish
1 Tbs Celery Seed
1 Tbs Black Pepper
Dash of Salt (optional)
*If in a hurry, replace tomato juice and seasonings with V8!

🗽 Hurricane Party Pitcher:

4 Cups Dark Rum
4 Cups White Rum
4 Cups Passion Fruit Juice
1.5 Cups Orange Juice
1.5 Cups Pineapple Juice
1/2 Cup Fresh Lime Juice
1/4 Cup Grenadine
*Garnish with Orange Wheel and Cherry

🎆 Bubbly Champagne Punch Pitcher:

1 Cup Brandy
1 Cup Triple Sec (or Grand Marnier)
1/2 Cup Raspberry Flavored Liquor (Chambord is suggested)
2 Cups No Sugar Added Pineapple Juice
1 Quart Ginger Ale (must be chilled)
2 Bottles Dry Champagne – 750ml (must be chilled)
2 Cups Raspberries
*Combine all ingredients but the champs and berries. Allow to chill for 4 hours, then add champagne. Garnish with raspberries.

🗽 Strawberry Wine Punch:

1 Bottle Moscato Wine – 750ml
1 Can Strawberry Daiquiri Mix
1 Bottle 2-Liter Sprite
Fresh Strawberries for Garnish

Are you now craving a refreshing summertime cocktail? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and check out our weekly specials! We are closed for 4th of July, but open all day Friday and Saturday this weekend!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Popular Cocktails Under 200 Calories

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Having a few cocktails at the end of a hard week should be a great feeling, not something that makes you feel guilty come Monday morning. For those of you who enjoy great cocktails, but could do without all the added calories and sugar, finding something satisfying can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are several delicious cocktail choices that eliminate the caloric overkill without sacrificing quality or taste.

Continue reading to review the some of the most popular low calorie cocktails you can order at any full-service bar or restaurant, or even make at home!

Weekly Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Try a Vodka Soda – Only 100 calories!

If You’re Watching Your Waistline, Try These Top Low-Cal Cocktails:

► Champagne

SURPRISED?
90 Calories!

► Gimlet

Any Liquor, Rose’s Sweet Lime Juice, Lime Wedge
180 Calories
*Substitute Rose’s for a dash of simple syrup and fresh squeezed lime for less calories.

► Gin and Tonic w/Lemon

Gin, Tonic Water, Lemon Wedge
150 Calories

► Martini

Vodka or Gin, Vermouth (Olives Optional)
175 Calories
*Order it “dry” and forgo the olives for fewer calories.

► Mojito

White Rum, Simple Syrup, Mint Leaves, Lime Wedge
170 Calories

► Old Fashioned

Bourbon, Bitters, Sugar
155 Calories

► Paloma

Tequila of Choice, Grapefruit Juice, Soda Water, Lime Wedge
165 Calories
*Forgo the sugar rim for less calories.

► Rum and Diet

Rum, Diet Soda of Your Choice (commonly Diet Cola), Lime Wedge
100 Calories

► Sazerac

Whiskey, Absinthe, Bitters, Sugar, Water
135 Calories

► Vodka and Soda w/Lime

Vodka, Soda Water, Lime Wedge
100 Calories

Are you now craving your favorite low calorie cocktail from the list? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks! Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

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Suggested Health Benefits of Vodka
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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

How to Choose Between Flour Tortillas and Corn Tortillas

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When it comes to preparing Latin American cuisine, you can never get the full experience without having some form of tortillas around. But the age old question is, “which to choose?”, as many people have a hard time discerning between the two, let alone knowing which to choose for their particular dish. Well, if you have always wondered, “flour or corn tortillas?”, then you are in the right place.

Scroll down to learn the difference between flour tortillas and corn tortillas, including the dishes they compliment best, and where you can count on the freshest, tastiest Mexican food in Downtown Indianapolis!

Fish Tacos Special in Indianapolis
Call for Taco Thursday at English Ivy’s in Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Flour Tortillas or Corn Tortillas? That is the Question.

Ultimately, no matter which tortillas you choose, or happen to have on hand, they will be fantastic with whatever Latin American dish you are serving or ordering. They are both delicious and have their own unique qualities that will elevate any meal, Mexican-inspired or not. So, if ever confronted with the option, or left with no optional at all, flour and corn are both wonderful, as they are highly-versatile. But for your own personal understanding, and pleasure, below are some facts about flour and corn tortillas that might help you lean one way or another the next time you are enjoying some tacos or quesadillas!

Flour Tortillas

Flour tortillas are made primarily with, you guessed it, flour, just as the name reveals. They are soft and chewy in texture, mild in flavor, and range in a variety of sizes. More popular in the Northern parts of the Americas, flour tortillas make for excellent burritos, chimichangas, and quesadillas since they are much larger than corn tortillas, and stronger too. However, here in the states, they are commonly used for tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, sandwich and salad wraps, and even baked as bowls for taco salad.

Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are made from ground corn, and have a lot of salty and savory flavor. They are smaller than flour tortillas, but perfect for dishes like tacos, taquitos, enchiladas, street tacos, and tostadas. They are also the perfect tortillas to cut apart and make nachos with! Corn tortillas are prevalent here in the states, but they are the dominant tortilla in the Southern parts of the United States, and all throughout Mexico, Central America, and South America. If you want authentic Latin American food, go for the corn tortillas, as this is what you will find when you travel down south. An added bonus, those with dietary restrictions, such as wheat or gluten, corn tortillas are a great mostly-gluten-free alternative to flour-based ones.

Craving Something in a Tortilla Now?

Place an Order at English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery for TACO THURSDAY!

Contact us at 317-822-5070 to hear more about our current special of the week, TACO THURSDAY! Come in or place an order for steak, chicken, pork, and fish tacos tonight! We have other tortilla options on our Menus too, like our Southwest Quesadilla, Steak Wrap, and Chicken Wrap! Our Thursday specials are also showcasing drinks, including $5 Margaritas, $3.50 Corona bottles, $3 Fireball, $5.35 Pitchers, $10 Beer Buckets, and more! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. We look forward to serving you!

317-822-5070

3 Reasons Why Moscow Mules are Served in Copper Mugs

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Moscow used to just be a city in the Soviet Union. But now, when you hear the name Moscow, you likely imagine that frothy, delicious cold drink that is famously served in a glistening copper mug. What’s actually referred to as Moscow Mules, this always-trending, always-tasting alcoholic cocktail is highly versatile, and compliments virtually any occasion or dish. Traditionally made with ginger root beer and vodka, Moscow Mules have been reinvented in all sorts of flavors and enhancements. But there is one thing that remains common among them all: the copper mug.

Do you know why Moscow Mules are served in copper mugs and glasses? Continue reading to learn 3 reasons why, and share them with your pals over a few this evening!

Indianapolis Moscow Mules Drink Specials
Indianapolis Moscow Mules Drink Specials 317-822-5070 a copper mug on a black table.

The Deal With Moscow Mules and Copper Mugs

Copper is an interesting metal because it retains some pretty incredible qualities. These qualities, coupled with a bit of nostalgic history, have to do with the reasons why Moscow Mules are traditionally served in copper mugs or glassware. The first reason is thanks to the history of preparing and serving Moscow Mules.

❶ History

Although stories are a bit conflicting due to its cloudy origins, it is suggested that the ginger beer and vodka cocktail was partly created by a man named Jack Morgan, who was the owner of an LA British pub called the Cock ‘n’ Bull. As with most cocktail origin stories, it is strongly suggested that the bartender there also helped create the famous concoction. Well, Jack’s lady owned a copper-making company, who is indicated to be a Russian immigrant by the name of Sophie Berezinski. You can connect the dots from there!

It is also suggested that Jack Morgan and John Martin, a man who had just bought Smirnoff at the time, invented the marketing campaign of the copper mug drink together because Jack was having trouble pushing ginger beer off the shelves, while John couldn’t get his vodka sales up. They went around the city taking pictures of celebrities holding Moscow Mules in the shiny copper mugs, thus increasing the drink’s popularity overtime.

❷ Temperature Control

As mentioned, the viable properties of copper metal play a major part in why Moscow Mules are served in copper mugs. You see, copper is the ultimate thermal conductor, which is why it is used so predominately in electronics manufacturing and design. Anything electronic will contain copper because the copper regulates temperature. You don’t want your laptop getting too hot! Well, this thermal conductivity also keeps things cold, like Moscow Mules! The copper mugs actually react with the cold liquids inside, making the drink colder, and keeping the ice solid, for longer.  A real Moscow Mule copper mug will be pure copper. There are other kinds of mugs that are just copper-plated, or lined with copper. They are actually made with steel, nickel, and tin.

❸ Flavor

It is suggested that Moscow Mules taste better when they are served in a true, copper mug! Perhaps it is because the copper decreases the temperature just so, rendering chill-worthy sips from start to finish, or maybe it’s due to some other chemistry. You see, copper also creates that extra fizz and carbonation that makes are Moscow Mules so crisp and aromatic. The copper is also said to enhance the core flavor of the ginger, citrus, and mint inside. Try it for yourself! Serve a Moscow Mule in a regular pint glass, then serve one in a copper mug, and then take the taste test!

Where to Get Fabulous Moscow Mules and Drink Specials in Indianapolis

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious weekly menu and drink specials we offer at our Indianapolis bar and restaurant! Visit us on Mondays for $6 Mule Mondays! Our famous Moscow Mules are served over ice, in a copper mug, with your choice of liquor, ginger beer, and lime wedge! We also have a fully stocked bar with all your favorites, including wine, premium liquors, beer, and more. To complement your Moscow Mules, order some delicious appetizers and entrees from our lunch and dinner menus! So, if you need to get your Moscow Mule fix on with your crew, trust English Ivy’s bar and restaurant for phenomenal food, fun, and friendship!

Indianapolis Moscow Mule Specials
Indianapolis Moscow Mule Specials 317-822-5070